Telephone metering system.



G. BABCOGK. TELEPHONE METERING SYSTEM. APPLIoATIoN FILED JUNB'e, 1910.

Patented Marlllz, 1912.

2 SHEETS-SHEBT 1.

4 l i Awffwy G. BABGOGK. TELEPHONE METERING. SYSTEM. APPLICATION FILED.TUNE 6; 1910.

1,019,879. Patented Mar. 12, 1912..

2 SHEETS-HEBT z.

' flor/zeg UNITED sTATEs PATENT oEEioE.

GARRISON BACOCK, OF ROCHESTER, NEW-"YORK, ASSIG-NOR TO TELECHRONOMETERCOMPANY,-'OIE' ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, A.' CORPORATIONOF NEW YORK.

TELEPHQNE' METERING' SYSTEM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

ratentediviaig 12,1912.-

Applicationvled J'un'e 6,1910.v Serial No. 565,192.

To ill whomit may concern:

Be it known that I, GAniiisoN BABCoox, a citizen of the United States,residing at Rochester, in the countyl off"l\1onroe and 'State of NewYork, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in TelephoneMetering Systems, of wliichgthe following is' a full, clear, concise,and exact descrip-- tion, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawings, forming' a part of this speciication.

My invention relates to an improvement in telephone ineteringsy'steinsin which .ap-

paratus at a-central exchange is adapted'to be associated with theconnecting mechamsm of the exchange in use toconnect subscribersl forconversat-ion so as to actuate a registering mechanism at the exchangein.

accordance with the rate to be charged for service to the callingsubscriber. The mech` yanisin employed tor thus register is adapted,when released hy the operator,

A to send suitable impulses through the line wires ofthe callingsubscriber to actuate metering mechanism located 4at the substation ofthe latter to etlect a charge on the calling subscribers metercorresponding to the amount registered by the apparatus" at' the centralexchange.

In carrying out my invention I designate ,A

' the unit of telephone service used in. connection with the registeringmechanism at the exchange as atelechrone, which signifies an amount ofservice consisting of both a time element and the charge per unit oftime, which is different for different sub:4

n' scribers, depending upon the distance they are from the exchange.Thus the serviceexpressed in ,telechrones 4may in two different cases'be the saine, although produced byy different factors of time and chargerate.l

The several drawings illustrating my invention are as follows:

Figure l is a diagrammatic drawing,

illustrating the circuit connections involved between a calling and acalled subscriber together` with the 'connecting circuits employed at acentral exchange for establish-4 l ,registering mechanism' at theexchange;

thev charge Fig. 3 is a detail viewof the connecting keys employed t0control the receiving and sending operations of theregistering mechanismat the-exchange; Fig. 4t is a detail view of the .mechanism employed toactuatethe registering mechanism at the exchange; F10. 5 is a det-ailview of the mecha-v nism associated with the register `at the@4exchangefor causingits operation to send the charge made upon suchregister through the calling line to actuate the meter at .the

callingA subscribers station; Fig.- 6 is an enlarged detail view of theoperating-mech#- anism of the meter vlocated at the subscribers station.

As shown in Fig. 1, the substation A is provided' with a transmitter 1and receiver 2 in the manner well known inthe art, and

also Vwith a switchl hook 3 adapted to either close the line circuitthrough the transmitter 1.o-r` through. the ringer 4:, depending uponwhether the receiver 2 is removed from the hook or is located upon it.The circuit extending' from the transmitter 1' is continued through theenergizing coil 5y of' the subscribers meteringmechanism 6. Substation Ais connected with the exchange by line wires 8 and 7 terminating in thetip andl sleeve springs 9 and 10, respectively, of the jack J, the ring11 of whichis connected with the winding of the cut-off relay 12, theother terminal of which is connected with thel battery 13 through theconductor .14. The conductor 14 is also connected with one terminal ofthe line relay -15and with the pivotalpoint ofthe armatureof such relay,as aV result of which, whenthe hook 3' occupies itsupper position due tothe re,- moval of the receiver 2, the line relay 15 is 'energized and.the line signal 17 -is lighted. When lthe subscriber at the substationA Adesires to call central the 'relajy15 ener"- gized, `since for thiscondition thelcut-oiv relay l2 is inert-.and -connection is establishedat Vthistiine' between the line wires` 7 and .8 and conductors 16 and1,4 with-.the terminals of the battery 13: Thearrnature :of the relay 15finj attracted posit/ion,v lights the line'lamp 17, thus signaling .theloperator that a connection is desired; AThe substation B is connectedwith the exchange by linewires 18 and l19 which. have. vassoiciatedwiththem apparatus similar to that described vabove for the line-7, 8.The line wires 18 and 19'are connected with the tip and sleeve springs20 and 21 of the jack J1.

p tip strand 22, 23 and sleeve strand 24,. 25,

the sections of each strand being separatedl condensers as indicated.The sections 22 and -24of the cord strands are connected throughsupervisory relays 26 and 27 with the conductors 28 and 16 respectively,and l'thus with the terminals of the battery 13. The sections 23 andl 25of the cord strands are connected bythe wires 29. and 30, withthewindings of the supervisory -relays 31 and 32 and thus with springs3,3 'and 34 of .the switch K. The inner springs 35 and 36 ofthe switchK, which are normally in contact with the springs 33 and 34,respectively, are connected with the terminals of the battery 13, thepath from the' spring 35 being through wires 37 and 28, while the pathfrom the spring 36 is closed through wires 38 and 39. s rlfhe outersprings 40 and 41 of the switch K are connected through wires 42 and '43with the outer and inner switch springs, respectively, of the reversingswitch mechanism K1.' An elect-romagnet 44 islocated in the wire 42, asindicated, for a purpose to be. described, the connection to the springsof theI switch K1 being completed. from such eleetromagnet throughv wire45. The sections 23 and 25 of the cord strands are completed through.the ringing key K2 by means of which the ringing generator 46 may beconnected in circuit with the calling plug P1 to signal the calledsubseriber. The operators set 47 may be connected with the sections 22and 24 of the cord strands when desired by means of the listening-keyK3. The back contact 47 of the supervisory relay 31 is connected withthe front contact 48 of the supervisory relay 32 through the supervisorylamp 49, and t-he front contact 50 of the superyisory relay 31 isconnected by wire'51 with the normally open contacts 52', 52a, 5213.52353, 53a, 54., 55, 56 and 57 adapted to be connected by correspondingswitches 58, 58, 581, 58e, 59, 59, 60, 61, -62, 63 with brushes bearingupon the commutators 64, 641, 6411, 64, 65, 651, 66, 67, 68,I 69, asdesired. The commutators 64,

64s, 641 and 64 are carried upon a shaft 70 driven by means of gears 71and 72 from a shaft 73 driven by means of suitable gearing from.time-controlled mechanism not shown so that such shaft 73 will rotate ata uniform rate. The commutators 65 and 6511' 4are mounted upon a ,shaft74, which is driven from theshaft 73 by suitable gearing at a ratedifferentfrom the rotation of the shaft 7 0.l Commutators 66,67, 68,and69 are mounted upon shafts '75, 76, 77 and 78, which are individuallydriven from. the

shaft 73 by suitable gearing-'at rates -diler- 'ent from each other androm the rateV of .rotation of the shafts and 74. The body portions ofthecommutators referred to arel electrically connected with theshaftscarrying them and the shaft 73 is connected by' spring 7 9 with oneterminal of the winding of the electroln'agnet 80, the other terminal ofwhich 1s connected by a Wire 81 wit-h wire l37, and thus through wire 28with one terminal of the battery 13. The4 electromagnet is provided withan armature 82 pivoted atp83, which armature has pivotally connected toits right-hand end a spring pawl 84 so disposed relatively to a fixedstop 85 that when the armature 82 is attracted the pawl 84 is firstmoved into engagement with the ratchet wheel 86 and then operates tor0-l tate such ratchet wheel and the shaft l87, to which it -i'ssecured, one step. A pawl 88, pivoted at 89, is normally held inengagement with the ratchet wheel 86 by a spring 90 to retain theratchet wheel in the posit-ion to which it is moved by the operatingpawl 84. When the magnet 80 is denergized a suitable spring'91 returnsthe armature 82 to its. normal position, for which position.

has secured thereto a gear 92 meshing with a gear 93 carried by a shaft94, which latter shaft carries a threaded portion 95 engaging a nut 96adapted to be moved longitudinally of the shaft 94 by its rotation,while rotation of the nut 96 is prevented by suitable means not shown.The right-hand end of the shaft 94 carries a disk 97, shown more clearlyin Fig 5, and to this disk one end of a spring 98 is secured, the otherend of Such springbeing connected with the framework of the registeringmechanism. The disk 97 alsoaearries a spring pawl.99 adapted to engagearatchet wheel V100, which is independent of the disk 97 and shaft 94,but is adapted to`bc rotated by such disk when the same is moved in adirection to move the nut 96V to the left. as shown'. in Figf .1. Theratchet wheel 100 has projecting therefrom a stud 101 of insulatingmateria-l adapted to engage the cam 102 carried by one of the operatingsprings ofthe switch K1.

The switch K1 consists of two operating- 104 is connected by wire 110with a pilot lamp 11.1, the other terminal of which is connected withthe contact 112 adapted to be engaged by the armature 107 when 'themagnet 44 is denergized. The spring 104 is also connected by wires 38and 39 withv one.

tez: vaal of the battery 13. The springs 103 an=:`. 04,l when in theirnormal position' spectively,

l 1,61%879 y y shown in Fig. 1, are in' contact with the springs 113 and114 connected with the wires 45 and 43, respectively, and when theswitch K1 is operatedby means of the stud 101 and. the cam. 102 theoperating springs 103' and 104 are moved from engagement with thesprings 113 and 114 and into engagement *with* the springs 115 and 116,which are connected respectivelyl with the wires 43 and 45. Thus, aswill be seen in connection with the operation of the mechanism as willbe described below, the switch K1 constitutes a reversing switch andserves to reverse the direction of current iow through the line withwhich the plug El is'connected.

The nut 96' when in its normal position, by means of a projectingarm-117 carried thereserves to interrupt connection between the wire 37vand-the Wire 108. Then the nut 96 is moved' from its normal positicn bythe operation of the magnet 80, the spring 118 engages the spring 109,thus serving in part to close the circuit controlled by the switch K1. vn, The key K serves, when in its normal position to close the circuitsofthe supervisvory relays v`31 and 32 when the switch hook to thecallingplug P1 for a purpose to be' described. i The switch K,v and theswitches 5s, 66a, 58h, 58C, 69, 5921,60, b61, 62 and 63am assembled upona commonA frame, as indicated in Fig. 3, and are provided with a' latchplate 119 ,which retains any one of the operated keys in its actuatedposition until another of such keys is operated, the operation of thesecond key servlng to release" ythe locking cam carried by the lirstkey.

The commutators driven by the shaft 'Z3- are shown more in detailinFig.2,y and as a result of the gearingy employed andthe number of segments'in these commutators, they may advantageously be arranged to close thecircuit through the magnet 80 as lfollows: The commutators 64,64% 64hand 64c may'cons'ist of 4, 5, 6 and 12 segments, respectively, and theshaft 7 0 may be driven so as to makeone rotation per minute, as aresult of which the commutatorsmentioned will effect la closure of t-heenergizing circuit through the magnet 80 once every fifteen seconds,once every twelve seconds, once every ten seconds, andonce everyfivelsecends, respectively; the commutators ,65 ,and` 65a may have fourand eight segments, re-

ng between the shaft'73 and the shaft 74 sothat the latter shaft isrotated oncelin fifty-six seconds, thecommutators close seventy-twoseconds and sixty-four seconds,

by, engages a spring 1,18 to prevent it mak-v ing ,contact with thespring 109 andV thus' and by proportioning the gearthe energizingcircuit of the magnet 80011111@4 in fourteen secondsand once v,m sevenseconds, respectively;` the qommutators 66 and 67 mayI each consist offour segments and the shaftsf and 76 maybe driven lso as to make onerotation every fifty-two seconds and every forty-fourseconds,respectively,l thus energizing the electromagnet 80 once everythirteen seconds and once every eleven seconds, respectively; thecommutatore 68 and 69 may consist of eight segments each and the shafts7 7 and 7 8 may be rotated/by means ofthe gearing between them and theshaft 7 3. so as to make one rotation in respectively, thus closing theenergizing circuit ofthe electromagnet 80 once every nine seconds andonce every eight seconds,y respectively. Thus mea-ns are provided by theclosure of the proper one ofthe keys connected with4 the commutatordescribed to close the energizing circuit through the mag- `net 80 oncein siX, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven,'twelve, thirteen, fourteen orfifteen seconds, as` desired, the intervals between successive closuresof the circuit being determined by the rate charged for telephoneservice to the subscriber making the call, which rate may b e determinedby the distance the subscriber is from the exchange or the nature of theservice offered such subscriber. .1t is to be understood that' anydesired rate of operation of the magnet 80 `may be' secured by mechanismsimilar to `that just described.

l The metermg mechanism 6 located atthe substation A is constructed asindicated in Fig 6 and consists essentially ofv a perma-` nent-magnet`120 to which is pivotally connect'ed at 121 an armature 122 carrying acoil 5, which coil is located in -a block of soft iron'124 carried bythelower pole of the magnet 120, the block 124 being recessed toreceive-the coil 5. The coil 5 is connected in circuit 'with theltransmitter 1 and the line wire 7, as indicated in Fig. .1, 'and thusserves to move the armature 122 in one direction or the other, depending-upon the direction of current flow through the coil 5. The meteringmechanism is actuated, as indicated in Fig. 1, by means of suitable pawland ratchet mechanism connected with the armature 122.

The operation of'my invention is as follows: Assuming' that thesubscribe1 at the substation A desires to 'converse with the 'subscriberat subst-ation Bfth receiver 2 is removed from V.the 4switch hook 3 andthe. line signal`17 is illuminated as a result in a manner well' knownin the art. The current flow through the line wire 7 at. this v -time isin a direction to vattract the `armature 122 ofthe metering mechanismand thus to place the registering vmechanism of the meterr'in conditionto be actuated.. The operator at the exchange, 1n response to the signalproduced by the line lamp 17, inserts the plug P into the jack J, thusestablishing the following circuit from battery 13: battery 13,'wire 14,cut-oif relay 12, ring 11 of the jack J, 'sleeve strand 24, supervisoryrelay 27, wire 16 back to battery 13. Thus the cuteofll relay 12 isenergized and connection between the wires 14 and 16 and the lineconductors 8 and 7 is interrupted. The coil 5 is maintained energized,however, by current iowing over the following pathf battery 13, wire 16,supervisory relay 27, cord strand 24, sleeve spring 10, line wire 7,coil 5, transmitter 1, switch hook 3, line wire 8, tip spring 9, tipstrand 22, supervisory relay 26; wire 28, wire 14, back to battery 13.The operator, by depressing her listening key K3, ascertains theconnection desired and at the same time depresses one of the ,rate keys58, 58a, 58", 58", 59, 59a, 60, 61, 62,

63, depending upon the rate that is charged subscriber A for service, orupon the rate that is to be charged him for the connection desired. Forexample, he may desire a long distance connection, the rate of which 'isdetermined by the location of the subscriber B relatively .to theexchange and the rate charged for such service may be selected by therate keys in the same manner as though a certain definite fixed ratewere to be charged the subscriber A for any service rendered'him. Theclosure of the rate key referred to does not complete the energizingcircuit of the magnet 80, since at this time the supervisory relay 31 isdenergized and its armature is resting upon its back contact. lnresponse to the request of the subscriber A, the operator inserts theplug P1 in the jack J1 of the subscriber B, who is to be called, and bydepressing her ringing key K2 in .the manner well known in the artcorinects the ringing generator 46 with the linev conductors 18 and 19,thus causing current to flow through the ringer located at thesubstation of the subscriber B. At this time the line wires 18 and 19through the armatures `of the cut-oil' relay is interrupted. 'When thesubscriber B responds by removing his receiver from the hook switch, thecircuit through the supervisory relays 31 and 32 is closed asfollows:,.battery 13, wire 16, wire 39, wire 38, spring 36, spring 34,winding of supervisory relayv 32, wire 30, sleeve strand 25, sleevespring 21, line wire 19, substation apparatus of subscriber B, line wire18 tip spring 20, tip strand 23, wire 29, win( ing of supervisory relay31, spring 33, spring 35, wire 37 ,.wire 28, wire 14, back to battery13. The energization of the relay 31 completes thefenergizing-circuit ofthe magnet 8O as follows: battery 13, wire 16, wire 39, wire 38, wire125, armature of relay 31', contact 50, wire 51,through the springs ofthe rate switch which has been actuated and through itsassociatedcomniutator to the shaft 73, spring 79, winding of magnet 80, wire81,wire 37, wire 28, wire 14, back to battery 13. The circuit just tracedis closed at intervals, the duration of which is determined by thecommutator connected in circuit and the rate of its rotation, as aresult of' which the magnet 80 is energized repeatedly at a ratedepending upon the charge to be made to the subscriber A for theconnection. Each actuation of the magnet 80 operates to advance theshaft 87 one step, as described above, and thus to move the nut 96 tothe right by the rotation of the shaft 94 against the action of thespring 98, the pawl 88 serving to hold the shaft 87 and parts driventhereby in the position to which they are advanced. This conditioncontinues either until the subscriber B hangs up his receiver,

which by denergizing the supervisory relay 31 opens the energizingcircuit of the magnet 80 above traced, or by the withdrawal of the plugP1 from the jack J1 by the operator, which serves a similar purpose.

The disconnect signals having been received by the operator in the usualmanner, the plugs P and P1 are withdrawn and the plug P1 is inserted inthe jack J, the subs Vscriber A is called in the usual manner anddesired. After the operator has requested "j that the receiver 2 be leftin its removed position as describechshe depresses the keyK, thusinterrupting the circuit from the battery 13 through the supervisoryrelays 31 and 32 to the plug P1 and closing a circuit as follows:battery 13, wire 14, wire 28, contact 118, contact 109, wire 108, spring103, spring 113, wire 45, energizing winding of magnet 44, wire 42,spring 40, spring 33, energizing winding of. the supervisory relay 31,wire 29, tip, strand 23, tip spring 9, line wire 8, switch hook 3,transmitter 1, coil 5, line wire 7, sleeve spring 10,A sleeve strand 25,wire 30,"cnergizing winding of relay 32, spring 34, spring 41, wire 43,Contact 114, contact 104, wire 38, wire 39, wire 16, back to battery 13.As a result of the circuit just traced the magnet 44 is energized ,andthe pawl 88 is removed from engagement with the ratchet wheel 86thuspermitting the spring 98 to rotate the shaft 94 and parts. carriedthereby in the opposite direction to charge.

'ployed l of the shafts 87 and 94 under the action of Lenaerts themotion imparted to themby the operating pawl 84, this rotation beingeffected by means of the pawl 99 and the ratchet wheel 100. Thus thestud 101 is rotated and at each rotation engages the cam `102, whichserves to'imove the springs 103 and 1,04 from engagement with thesprings 113 and 114` together, the alternate position ofthe switch K1serves to reverse the direction of current How through the circuit abovetraced, thus serving to reverse the current through the coil 5 toactuate the registering mechanism 6 at the substation A. It is apparentthat the mechanism employed at the exchange for sending the chargeregistered upon the scale 126 back into the calling subscribers metermay be so designed as to operate at the maximum rapidity which practicalconditions upon the line circuit will permit, and that therefore acomparatively short space of time is required in which to transmit fromthe exchange to the subscribers meter a comparatively long conversationand therefore a comparatively high total The mechanism that may be emtoproperly limit the rate of rotation the spring 99 is not here shown,since any well known escapement mechanismmay be employed for thispurpose. When the charge-has been' wholly transferred to the meter 6,the nut 96 is in vits left-hand or normal position and the contacts 109and 118 are separated, thus opening the circuit through the magnet 44,as a result of which the pawl 88 is released 'and under the action ofthe spring 90 again engages the ratchet wheel 86. If the subscriber Ahangsup'his receiver before the charge registered by the shaft 94 hasbeen-wholly transferred into the meter 6, the energizing circ'uit lofthe electromagnet 44 is interrupted as is the energizing circuit of thesupervisory relay 31, and the pilot lamp 111 is lighted by currentflowing over the following circuit: battery 13, wireA 14, wire 28,wire'y 37, contact 118, contact 109, wire 108, wire 106, armature 107,contact 112, lamp 111, wire`110, wire 38, wire 39, wire '16, back tobattery 13. The denergization of the relay 31 serves to light the lamp49 over the following circuit: battery 13, wire 14, wire 28, wire 37,wire 127, armature of relay 32, contact 48, lamp 49, contact 47,armature of relay 31, wire 125, wire 38, wire 39, wire 16, back tobattery y13. The operator, by the simultaneous lighting of the lamps 49and 111, is thus advised that the receiver 2 has been prematurely placedupon the hook 3 and a second request may be made of the subscriber A toremove his receiver so that the charge may be properly added to hismetering mechanism 6. If, on they other hand, the receiver 2lis notreplacedv untilythe entire charge has been added to the meteringmechanism 6, the energizing circuits through the relay bythe separationof the contacts 109 'and 31 and the `magnet 44 are opened- 118, andsince the circuit of the pilot lamp r111 is closed through thesecontacts when' the magnet. 44 is 'dencrgized, the lamp 111 is not atthis time lighted but the lamp 49 is lighted, thus advisingl theoperator that Athe charge has been wholly. transferred'to the meteringmechanism 6 and that the connection may be taken down. Y

While I haveshown the` particular mechanism above described for carryingout my invention, I' do not, however, limit myself toy thisconstruction, but may employ any l' equivalent devices that are knowninthe art` for accomplish-ing the same result.v

vWhat I claim is: v

1. In a telephone system, the combination of an exchange, substationsconnected by line conductors with thel exchange, mechanism at theexchange for connecting the lines for conversation, and means associatedwith the connecting mechanism for lregistering at the exchange thecharge for a conversation at a desired one of a plurality of rates.

2. In a telephone system, the combinationiofy an exchange, and mechanismat the exchange forregistering at suchexcha-nge the charge for a talkingconnection established at the exchange at a desired one'of a pluralityof rates. A

3. In a telephone system, the combination of an exchange, substationsconnected by line conductors with the exchange, mechanism atthe exchangefor connecting the lines for conversation, means associated vwithftheconnecting mechanism for registering the charge for a conversation at adesired one of a plurality of rates, a'ineterat one 'of the substations,and means for transferring-the charge from the-exchange tothe meter. j

' '4. In atelephone system, the combination of an exchange, substationsconnected by line conductors with the exchange, mechanism.- at theexchange for connecting the lines for conversation, means associatedwith the connecting mechanism for registering the charge for aconversation at a desired onefof'V a plurality. of rates, a meterfat oneof the substations, and means for transferring the charge from theexchange to tlie meter more rapidly thanthe charge was registered at theexchange.

5. In a telephone system, the combination of .an exchange, mechanismy atthe exchange for-registering the charge for a talking'connectionestablished at the exchange at a de sired one of a plurality of rates,and means for sending fromthe exchange over a desired connection thecharge thus registered and for returning the registering mechanism to'its normal or zero condition.

6. In a telephone system, the combination of an exchange, substationsconnected by line conductors with the exchange, mechanism at theexchange for connecting the lines for conversation, means associatedwith the connecting mechanism for registering the charge for aconversation at a desired one of a plurality of rates, a meter atl oneof the substations, and means for transferring the charge from theexchange to the meter and for returning the registering means at theexchange to its normal or zero condition.

7 In a telephone system, the combination of an exchange, substationsconnected by line conductors with4 the exchange, mechanism at theexchange` for connecting the lines for conversation, means associatedWith the connectingA mechanism for registering the charge for aconversation, a meter at one of the substations, and means fortransferring the charge from the exchange to the meter.

8. In a telephone exchange syste'in, the combination of telephone linesextending vfrom subst-ationsto an exchange, switching mechanism at thevexchange for connecting theV lines for conversation as desired, and acircuit independent of `the talking circuit through the connected linesand controlled by such talking circuit, such independent circuitincluding a-n operating vkey and telechrone registering mechanism.

9. In, a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone linesextending from substations to an exchange, switching 'mechanism at'theexchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a circuitindependent of the talking circuit through the connected lines andcontrolled by such talking circuit, such independent circuit includingan operating key and telechrone registering mechanism, a meter at one ofthe substations, and means for transferring the charge from the exchangeto the meter.

10. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephonev linesextending fromsubstations to an exchange, switching mechanism vat theexchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a circuitindependent of the talking' circuit through\the connected lines andcontrolled by such talking circuit, such independent circuit includingan operating key and tele.- chrone registering mechanism, a meter at oneof the substations, and means for transferring. the charge from theexchange to the meter and for returning the registering mechanism-to itsnormal or zero condition.

11. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone linesextending from substations to an exchange, switching mechanism at theexchange for connecting t-he lines for conversation as desired, a relayin the circuit thus established, a registering circuit closed byenergization of such relay, and telechrone registering mechanismoperated by the registering circuit when closed.

12. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone linesextending from substations to an exchange, switching mechanism at theexchange for connecting the lines for conversa-tion as desired, acircuit independent of the talking circuit through the connected linesand controlled by such talking circuit, such independent circuitincluding an operating key and telechrone registering mechanism, a meterat one of the substations, a charge-sending circuit at the exchangecompleted through a line connected-with the switching mechanism andcontrolled by the continuity of such line circuit, and devices fortransferring to the substation meter over the sending circuitthe chargeregistered upon the telechrone registering mechanism.

13. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone linesextending from substations to an exchange, switching mechanism at theexchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a relayin the circuit thus established, a registering circuit closed byenergization of such relay, telechrone registering mechanism operated bythe registering circuit when closed, a meter at one of the substations,a charge-sending circuit at the exchange completed through the lineconnected with such relay and controlled by the continuity of such linecircuit, and devices associated with the registering mechanism fortransferring to the substation meter over the sending circuit the chargeregistered upon the telechrone registering mechanism and simultaneouslyreturning such registering mechanism to its normal or zero position.

14. In a telephone system, the combination of an exchange,'substationsconnected by line conductors with the exchange, mechanism at theexchange for connecting the lines for conversation, and means associatedwith lfor a conversation at a desired one of a plu- Vrality of rates, ameter at one of the substations adapted to be actuated by reversedcurrentimpulses in the line, and means at the --exchange for repeatedlyreversing the directionof currentflow in the line-to transfer the chargefrom the register to the meter..

.16. In a ltelphonei exchange system, the

combination of telephone lines extending-v..

from substations to an exchange, switching mechanismfatthe exchange forconnecting' the lines for conversation as desired, an-dsa circuitindependent of the talkingl circuit,v

y.nism and a plurality Vof operating keys adapted to cause theoperat-ion of the registering mechanism at different rates. j

18. In. a telephone exchange system, the combination. of' telephonevlines extending from substat-ions to an excha'nge, switching mechanismat the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired,and a circuit independent of the talking circuit through the connectedlines andy controlled by such talking circuit, such independent circuitincluding telechrone registering v mechanism and a pluralityof operatingkeys adapted to cause the operation of the regis.

tering mechanism vat different rates, such keys so related that adepressed key is retained in operative position until released by theoperationof a second key. i

19. In a telephone exchange system, the

combination of telephone lines extending from substations to anexchange, lswitching mechanism at the exchange for connecting the linesfor conversation as desired, a circuit independent of the talkingcircuit through the connected lines and controlled by such talkingcircuit, such independent ciri cuit including telechrone registeringmechanism and a plurality of operating keys adapt-A ed to cause the'operation of 'the registering mechanism at .different rates, suchtkeysso related that a depressedkey is'retained-in operativ'eposition untilreleased by lthe operation of a second key,.a meter at lone of thevsubstations adapted to be` actuated by re`A versed current impulses inthe line, and' means at the exchange for repeatedly reversing theydirection of current loW in the line to transfer the charge fromthe-register to `t-he meter.

20. In a telephone exchange system, the combination 'of telephonel linesextending from-substations to .an exchange, swltching ation.

mechanism at the exchange-for connecting the lines for conversationy asdesired, .a circult independent, ofv the talking circuit through the`connectedlines and controlled by such talking circuit-such independentcircuit including telechrone registering mechamsm anda plurality ofoperating keys adapt- .ed to cause the operation of the registering"m^echanism at different rates, s'uch keys so related that a depressedkey is retained in operative position luntil released by theoperation-,of a second key, a meter at one of the substations adapted tobe actuated by reversed current impulses in the line, means at theexchange` for repeatedly reversing the direction of current flow in theline to transferthe charge from the register to the meter, andacharge-sending lkey adapted when depressed to'complete the circuit ofthe current 4reversing means, the operation of such sending key servingto release a previously actuated rate kev.

21. In a telephone system, the combination of `an exchange, substationsconnected by line conductors with the exchange, mechanism at theexchange for connecting the lines for conversation, means associatedwith the connecting mechanism for registeringl the charge for aconversation at a desired one of a plurality of rates, and a signal forindicating the termination of the charging oper- Q2. In atelephonesystem, the combination of an exchange, substations connected by lineconductors with the exchange, mecha- "nism at the exchange forconnecting the lines for conversation, means associated with theconnecting mechanism for registering thecharge for a conversation at adesired one of a plurality of rates, a meter at one of the substations,Vmeans for transferring 'the charge from the exchange to the meter, anda signal forv indicating rthe termination of the transferring operation.f i

23. In a telephone system, the combination 4of an exchange, substationsconnected by line conductors- With the exchange, mechanism at theexchange forconnecting the lines for conversation, means associated Withthe connect-ing mechanism for registering the charge for a conversation,a meter at one' of the substations, means for transferring the chargefrom the exchange to the meter,

and a signal for indicating the termination o f the-transferringoperation.

24. In a telephone system, the combination of an exchange, subst-ationsconnected "by line conductors with the exchange, mechanism at theexchange for connecting the vlines for' conversation, meansassociatedwith the connect-ing' mechanism forl registering the chargefor a conversation at a desired-A one of a plurality of rates, ameteratone of the substations',l means for transferring the charge-fromthe exchange to themeter,

a signal for indicating the termination of the charging operation, and asecond signal for indicating the termination of the transferringoperation. i

25. Ina telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone linesextending from substations to an exchange, switching combination oftelephone lines ext'endingV from' substations to an exchange, switchingmechanism at the exchange -for connecting the lines for conversation asdesired, a circuit independent of the talking circuit through theconnected lines and controlled byv such talking circuit, suchindependent circuit including an operating key and telechroneregistering mechanism, a meter at one of the substations, acharge-sending circuit at the exchange completed through a lineconnected with the switching mechanism and controlled by the continuityof such line circuit, devices for transferring to the substation meterover the sending vcircuit the charge registered upon the telechrone reistering mechanism, and a signal for in icat-ing the termination of thetransferring operation.

27. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of teleph'one linesextending from substations to an exchange, switching mechanism at theexchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, acircuit` independent' of the talking circuit through the connected linesand controlled by such talking circuit, such independent circuitincluding an operating key and telechronelregistering mechanism, a meterat one of tlie substations, a charge-sending circuit at the exchangecompleted through a line connected with the switching mechanism andcontrolled by the continuity of such line circuit, devices fortransferring to the substation meter over the sending circuitthe chargeregistered upon the telechrone registering mechanism, and a signal forindicating the interruption of vthe sending circuit before thetermination of the transferring operation,

28. In a telephone exchange system, the' combination of telephone linesextending from substations to an exchange, switching mechanism at. theexchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a relayin the circuit thus established, a registering circuit closed byenergization of such relay,

'telechrone registering mechanism operated by the registering circuitwhen closed, a meter at one of the substations, a charge-sending circuitat the exchange completed through the line connected with such relay andcontrolled by the continuity of such line circuit, devices associatedwiththe registering mechanism for transferring to the substation meterover the sending circuit the charge registered upon the telechroneregistering mechanism and simultaneously returning such registeringmechanism to its normal or zero position, a signal for indicating thetermination of the telechrone registering operation and the terminationof the transferring operation, anda second signal for indicatin theinterruption of the sending circuit before the termination of thetransferring operation` 29. In a telephone exchange system, thecombination of telephone lines extending fr om substations to an.exchange, a cord circuit at the exchange for connecting the lines forconversation as desired, a supervisory relay associated with the callingplug of the cord circuit adapted to be .energized when the apparatus .atthe connected substation is in talking condition, telechrone registeringmechanism, an actuating magnet for such mechanism, an energizing circuitfor such magnet closed through a makecontact on such relay, and acommutator for interrupting such energizing circuit at a rateproportionate to the charge rate for the connection effected.

30. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone linesextending from substations to an exchange, a cord circuit at theexchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, asupervisory relay associated with the calling plug of the cord circuitadapted to be energized when the apparatus at the connected substationis in talking condition, telechrone registering mechanism, an actuatingmagnet for such mechanism, an energizing circuit for such magnet closedthrough a make-contact on such relay, a plurality of commutatorsassociated with the energizing circuit and adapted to send currentimpulses therethrough at rates proportionate to the rates charged fordifferent connections, and selective keys adapted to connect a desiredone of such commutators in the energizing circuit.

31. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone linesextending from substations to an exchange, a cord circuit at theexchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, asupervisory relay associated with the calling plug of the cord circuitadapted to be energized when the apparatus at the connected substationis in talking condition, telechrone registering mechanism, an actuatingmagnet for such mechanism, an energizing circuit for such magnet closedthrough a make-contact on relay. I v l 34. In a telephone exchangesystem, the

such relay, a plurality of commutators associated 'ivith ltheenergizingf circuit andj adapted to send c'urr'ei'i't "impulses there'through ,at rates'prop'ortionate to therates charged for differentconnections, selective,-`

keys adapted to connect afdejsired one .of such commutators in theenergizing circuit, and .interlocking meclianism' for. retaining anactuatedkey in its operated positionand releasing a previously actuatedkey.l

32. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone lines.extending from substations toan exchange, a c'ord circuit at theexchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, asupervisory relay associated With the calling plug of the cord circuitadapted to be energized When the apparatus at the connected substationis in talking condition, telechrone registering mechanism, ratchetdevices for effecting a l step-by-step actuation of such mechanism, amagnet for operating such devices, an energizing circuit for such magnetclosed through a make-contact on such relay and thereby vcombination oftelephone lines extending from substations to an exchange, a cord cir-ycuit at the exchange for connecting the lines for conversation asdesired, a supervisory relay associated with the calling plug of thecord circuit adapted to be energized when the apparatus at th`econnected substation is in talking condition, telechrone registering`mechanism, a meter at one of the substations adapted to be operated bycurrent yimpulses sent over the associated line circuit, impulse sendingmechanism associated with the registering mechanism, and a key adaptedbyits operation to include the impulse sending mechanism inthe energizinglcircuit o'f such combination of telephone., lines extending' fromsubstations to an exchange, a cord .circuit at the exchange ,forconnecting the lin-es Jfor conversation. as desired, Aa supervisoryrelay associated With the calling plug ofthe cord circuit ,adapted to beenergized when the apparatus at theconnected substation is vintalkingcondition, telechrone registering 'mechanisim yan actuating magnet forsuch --mechanisim an energizing circuit for such' magnet closed througha make-contact on such relay, a holding device for the registeringmechanism, motor mechanism operated by theactuating magnet, al meter atonel of the substations adapted `to? beoperated by ycurrentfimpulsessent over the associated line =alternately in reversed direction,a'reversing ing device to permit operation of the motor mechanism. y

35. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone linesextending from substatons to an exchange, a cord; circuit at theexchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, asupervisory relay associated with the calling plug of the cord circuitadapted to be energized when the apparatus at the connected substationis in talking condition, telechrone registering switch operatedby. themotorsvniechanism,y anda keyadapted by its operationvto in'-l clude thereversing switch-inthe energizing. i circuit of such relay and torelease the holdmechanism, an actuating magnet for such mechanism, anenergizing circuit for such' magnet closed through a make-contact onsuch relay, a holding pavvl for the registering mechanism, a releasingmagnet for such pavvl, motor mechanism connected With the registeringmechanism and placed in driving condition by the registering operation,a-

polarized meter at one of the substations adapted to be operated byalternating current impulses sent-over the line circuit, a rey versingswitch operable by the registering mechanism only in a clearingdirection, and

`a key adapted by its operation tol include the releasing magnet andreversing switch in 'the energizing circuit of such relay.

' 36. In a telephone exchange system, the

combination of telephone lines extending from' subst-ations toanexchange, 'a cord circuit at the exchange for connecting the lines forconversation as desired, a supervisory relay associa-tedvvith thecallingplug of the cord circuit adapted te be' energized when the apparatus atthe connected substation is in talking condition, telechrone registeringmechanism, an actuating magnet forsuch mechanism, an energizing circuitJfor such magnet closed through a make-contact on such relay, a holdingpaWl for the registering mechanism, a releasingymagnet for such pavvl,motor mechanism connected VWith the registering mechanlsm and placed indriving .condition by the registering operation,'a

polarized meter at one of the substations .adapted to be operated byalternating current impulses sent over the line circuit, a

reversing switch operable by the registering mechanism only in aclearing direction, a y

key adapted by its operation to include the releasing magnet andreversing switch in the energizing circuit of such relay, and a switchfor opening therelay energizing cir-.

cuit .when the charge lregistered l'has been transferred to the' meter.

- 37. a telephone exchangeisystem, the

combination of telephone lines extending from substations to anexchange,a cord circuit attheexchange for connecting the lines for conversation.as desired, a supervisory relayafssociated with the calling plug of thecord "circuitadapted to be energized when the apparatus at, theconnected substation is in talking condition, telechrone' registeringmechanism, a meter atone of the substations adapted t be operated bycurrent impulses sentover -the associated line circuit, impulse sendingmechanism associated with the'registering mechanism, a key adaptedbyits'operation to include the impulse sending mechanism in the energizingcircuit of such relay, anda signal for indicating the opening of theline circuitbefore the end of the charge ,transferring operation.

38. In a .telephone exchange system, the combination. of telephone linesextending from substations to an exchange, acord circuit at the exchangefor connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a supervisoryrelay associated with the calling plug of the cord circuitadapted to beenergized whenv the apparatus at the'connected .substation is in talkingcondition, telechrone registering mechanism, an actuating magnet forsuch mechanism, an energizing circuit for such magnet closed through amake-contact on such relay, a holding pawl' for the registeringmechanism, a releasing magnet for such pawl, motor mechanism. connectedwith the registering mechanism and placed in driving condition by the`registering operation, a polarized meter at one of the substationsadapted to be operated by alternating cur- -reht impulses sent o'ver'theline circuit, a reversing switch 'operable bythe registering .mechanismonly ingaelearmg direction, a

key adapted by itsoperation to include the releasing n'ragnet andreversing switch in the-energizing circuit of such relay, a switch foropening the relay energizing circuit when the Acharge registered hasbeen transfer-red to' the meter, and an electric lamp signal controlledby the releasing magnet to indicate the premature opening of the chargesending circuit.

'39l In a' telephone exchange system, the combination' of telephonelines extending from substat-ions to an exchange, a cord ciri cuit atthe exchange 4for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, asupervisory relay associated with the calling plug of the cord circuitadapted to be energized when the apparatus at the connected substationis in talking condition, telechrone registering mechanism, an actuating'magnet for such mechanism, an energizing circuitfor such magnet closedthrough make-contacts 'on such relay, a commutator for interrupting suchenergizing circuit'v at a rate proportionate to the charge rate for theconnectlon eiiected, and a signal for indicating the termination of thecharging operation.

40. In av telephone exchange system, the combination 4of telephone linesextending from substations to an exchange, a cord circuit at theexchange for connecting the lines for conversation as desired, asupervisory relay associated with the calling plug of the cord circuitadapted to be energized when thel apparatus at the connected substationis in talking condition, telechrone registering mechanism, an actuatingmagnet for such mechanism, an energizing circuit for such magnet.closedthrough a make-contact on such relay, a commutator for interrupting suchenergizing circuit at a rate proportion- ,ate to the charge rate for theconnection efected, a meter at one of the substations adapted to beoperated by current impulses sent over the associated line circuit,impulse sending mechanism associated with the registering mechanism, anda key adapted by its operation to include the impulse sending mechanism`in the energizing circuit of such relay.4

41. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone linesextendin from substations to an exchange, a cor circuit at the exchangefor connecting the lines for conversation as desired, a supervisoryrelay associated with the calling plu of the cord circuit adapted to beenergize when the apparatus at the connected substation is in talkingcondition, telechrone registering mechanism, an actuating magnet forsuch mechanism, an energizing circuit for such magnet closed through amake-contaet'on such relay, a plurality of commutators associated withthe energizing circuit and adapted to send current impulses therethroughat rates proportionate to the rates charged for different connections,selective keys adapted to connect a desired one of such commutators inthe energizing circuit, a holding device for the registering mechanism,motor mechanism operated by the actuating magnet, a meter at one of' thesubstations adapted to be operated by current impulses sent over theassociated line alternately in reversed direction, a reversing switchoperated by the motor mechanism, and a key adapted by its operation toinclude the reversing switch in the energizing circuit of such relay andto release the holding device to permit operation of the motormechanism, such last-named key when actuated being retained in operatedposit-ion and serving to release a previously actuated selective key.

42. In a telephone exchange system, the combination of telephone linesextending from substations to an exchange, a cord circuit at theexchange for connecting the linesfor conversation as desired, asupervisory relay associated with the calling plug of the cord circuitadapted to be energized when the apparatus at the connected substationis in talking condition, telechrone registering mechanism, ratchetdevices for eliecting a step-by-step actuation of such mechanism, amagnet for operating such devices, an energizing circuit for such magnetclosed through a make-contact on such relay and thereby under thecontrol of the connected subscriber, a plurality of commutatorsassociated with the energizing circuit and adapted to send currentimpulses therethrough at rates proportionate to the rates charged fordifferent connections, selective keys adapted to connect a desired oneof such commutators in the energizing circuit, interlocking mechanismfor retaining an actuated key in its operated position and releasing apreviously actuated key, a holding paivl for the registering mechanism,a releasing magnet for such paWl, motor mechanism connected with theregistering mechanism and placed in driving condition by the registeringoperation, a polarized meter at one of the substations adapted to beoperated byalternating current impulses sent over the line circuit, areversing switch operable by the registering mechanism only i'n aclearing direction, a key adapted by its operation to include thereleasing magnet and reversing switch in the energizing circuit of suchrelay, aswitch for opening the relay energizing circuit when the chargeregistered has been transferred to the meter, and a signal forindicating the opening of the line circuit before the end of the chargetransferring operation.

GARRISON BABCOCK. Witnesses:

G. VVILLARD RICH, HENRY WV. HALL.

